Scripture
Matthew 4:18-22
18 While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him.
21 And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. 22 Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
For the Kiddos:
I am amazed whenever I think about Jesus uttering the two words “Follow me” to the fishermen Simon, Andrew, James, and John while they were in the midst of their work as fishermen. What I find amazing is that as Matthew records these encounters, he tells us about the response of these four men as “immediately” leaving what they were doing to follow Jesus. Do you think that is something you would do? Or would you instead said – “Let me think about it Jesus.”
Just like these first disciples, Jesus calls us to “follow me.” These two words occur 22 times in the Gospels, and in the rest of the Bible there are many references to people finding ultimate meaning and purpose in life by following God and His Son, Jesus Christ.
The famous preacher, Dr. James Boice, tells us that these two words are important because they teach us important truths about being Christ’s disciple. Dr. Boice specifically mentions these five marks of those who follow Jesus.[1]
First, there is obedience. The words “follow me” are a command. We are to hear and obey this call right at the start, and continue in obedience in every area of life for all of our lives.
Second, there is repentance. Christ’s followers must turn their backs on their sin and pursue righteousness.
Third, there is submission. We recognize that our lives are placed under the authority of Christ and His Word.
Fourth, there is trust. A disciple trusts Christ to lead him on the path He has chosen for us, even when it might not feel right and there’s temptation to trust in someone or something else.
Fifth, there is perseverance. Following Jesus is not a once-and-done endeavor. It is a lifetime commitment.
Enter:
What are some distractions and/or stumbling blocks we most likely encounter that can keep us from following Jesus?
As you have gotten older, what habits have you used to stay on track as a follower of Jesus?
How does the Holy Spirit help us remain on the path of discipleship?
Hear:
Read the Bible Passages. (Matthew 4:18-22 ESV) For younger children, a picture Bible may be used.
Pause
Take a few seconds, or maybe a minute to sit with the scripture in silence. This might be a great time to choose a different place to do your devotional time. Be still and listen to God!
Wonder:
How can we encourage each other to faithfully follow Jesus in the five ways mentioned in this devotional?
Which one is your favorite & will be easy to do? Which one do you think might be difficult?
Bless:
Affirm what was discussed about the story.
Look for ways during your week to practice the disciplines of obedience, repentance, submission, trust, & perseverance with your relationship with God.
Praise God, Give thanks, Pray for others, confess sins, Praise God!
Example:
Father God, you have made us to be part of your family. The answer to our restlessness in life is only found in a relationship with you through your Son, Jesus Christ. Increase our faith in you and empower us to truly follow Jesus in every nook and cranny of our lives with obedience, repentance, submission, trust, and perseverance. We pray all this in the mighty name of Jesus! – Amen!
1] James Montgomery Boice, Christ’s Call to Discipleship (Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 2013), 34-40.